From July 26 to August 2, 2025, the city of Kigali will transform into a vibrant hub of sports, music, culture, and youth empowerment as it hosts the second edition of the Giants of Africa Festival.
The brainchild of NBA executive Masai Ujiri, the festival brings together 320 young basketball players from 20 African countries, including Kenya, for a week-long celebration of potential and pan-African unity.
The heart of the festival is basketball—but this is far more than a sports camp.
These young athletes will undergo intense training and mentorship led by NBA and WNBA coaches, participate in friendly round-robin matches, and battle it out in championship and All-Star games.
For many of them, this is their first time leaving their country, and for all, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet peers from across the continent, build confidence, and dream bigger.
Kigali’s iconic BK Arena will light up on July 27 with the festival’s Opening Show, a cultural parade and music performance that reflects Africa’s rich creative energy.
South Africa’s viral DJ sensation Uncle Waffles is set to headline, joined by Rwandan stars like Kevin Kade and Chriss Eazy, as well as internationally renowned choreographer Sherrie Silver.
The celebration continues throughout the week with forums, masterclasses, and creative showcases, including the debut of “Threads of Africa”—a fashion show featuring rising designers from Rwanda, Cameroon, Niger, and South Africa.
Also lined up are special appearances from global icons such as NBA champion Kawhi Leonard, WNBA stars Chiney Ogwumike and Candace Parker, journalist Robin Roberts, football legend Didier Drogba, and entertainers Boris Kodjoe and Chris Tucker.
These guests will take part in mentorship sessions and interactive events aimed at empowering young leaders both on and off the court.
A key highlight of the 2025 festival is the official opening of Zaria Court, a bold new sports and cultural complex founded by Masai Ujiri himself. Located in Kigali, this urban district includes a hotel, gym, basketball court, retail spaces, and gathering spots designed to cultivate community and showcase African excellence.
Zaria Court will also host several of the festival’s sessions, further anchoring Kigali as a continental beacon for sports and innovation.
To mark International Youth Day on August 1, the festival will host a large-scale leadership forum in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth, the Imbuto Foundation, and ALX.
More than 2,000 young people will attend, engaging in discussions on identity, civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.
The are also parallel programs that will support women’s empowerment, community outreach, and skills training across participating nations.
All roads then lead back to the BK Arena for the epic Closing Concert on August 2. The night promises performances from Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel, Timaya, Ayra Starr, and Rwanda’s own The Ben.
Since its debut in 2023, the Giants of Africa Festival has become a landmark event, with its first edition drawing 14,000 spectators and generating $1.5 million for Kigali’s local economy.
The 2025 edition builds on that momentum—bringing in more participants, deeper programs, and stronger connections across borders.